TASCAM DA-78 HR
7
1 - Introduction to the DA-78HR
The TASCAM DA-78HR is a digital audio multi-
track recorder designed for use in a variety of appli-
cation s, includin g vi d e o po st-produ c t ion and aud i o
multitrack work.
It records 8 tracks of full-quality digital audio on
standard Hi8 video cassettes using a specially-
designed transport and head mechanism. Using this
mediu m, up to 10 8 minu t e s of con tinuou s re cordi ng
is possible on a single NTSC “120” tape
Recording is carried out at either 24 or 16 bits of res-
olut ion, and di gital data may b e input a t 16, 20 or 24
bits of resolution. Analog signals are converted to
digita l data usin g 64 ti mes oversamplin g de l ta - si g ma
techniques.
The DA-78HR builds on the foundations laid by the
TASCAM DA-88, DA-38 and DA-98 digital multi-
track recorders, and retains compatibility with them.
16-bit tapes recorded on one of the DA series can be
repl ayed and over dubbe d on any other ma chine in the
series, or any DTRS1 machine. 24-bit tapes can only
be replayed in DA-78HR recorders,

1.1 Unpacking

The box contains the following.
• DA-78HR Digital Multitrack Recorder (x 1)
• Accessories:
–Rackmo unt scre w kit (x 1)
–AC power cord, 2 m (6 ft.) long (x 1)
–This ma nual (x 1 )
• Warranty card (x 1)

1.2 Features

Other key features of the DA-78HR include:
• TASCAM-exclusive high-performance/high wear
resistive rotary 4-head mechanism with TASCAM
original track layout (DTRS standard)
• Use of standard, low-cost media with long record-
ing and playback times
• 24-bit or 16-bit linear quantization at either 44.1
kHz or 48 k Hz provid es CD-q ualit y sound or better
• Fast, frame-accurate tape location and positioning;
end-t o-end w indin g for a “1 20” tap e is around 80
seconds
• Direct digital synchronization of up to 16 DTRS
recorders (128 tracks) without the use of any exter-
nal synchronizer or controller
• Direct d igital dubbing between D TRS units
• An internal digital patchbay, allowing input-to-
track assignment and selection of digital, analog
and off-tape sources without the use of external
switch ing or ro uting e qu ipment
• Int ernal 8 x 2 mixer ( level an d pan) for stereo
replay of recorded tracks and output through a
standard SPDIF connector without extern al mixing
equipment
• SPDIF stereo input
• Balanced +4dBu analog inputs and outputs carried
on a convenient compact D-sub connector
• Unbalanced –10dBV connectors (RCA) for con-
nection to semi-professional equipment
• 15-segment peak meters with user-selectable fall
ballistics and variable hold time (including contin-
uous peak hold)
• Meters also used for display of channel and track
information
• Integral digital sine oscillator, providing signals at
440Hz and 1kHz for tuning and other frequencies
for lineup purposes
• Digital input and output on a single convenient
compact D-sub connector (TDIF-1 format)
• Settings ca rried out through a menu hierarchy
• SMPTE/EBU timecode input and output
• MIDI Time Code and MIDI Machine Control
• Simplified source/tape monitoring functio ns with
automatic switching
• Auto punch-in and punch-out with rehearsal mode
• 2-point full function autolocator with A–B repeat
function.
• Variable speed recording and playback (up to 6.0%
in 0.1% steps)
• Shuttle mode enables “rock and roll” audio posi-
tioning of key locations
• Data entry mode allows use of shuttle knob to set
data values

1.3 Using this manual

We suggest that you take the trouble to read this man-
ual thro ugh at lea st once before starti ng to use t h e
DA-78HR. In this way, you will find out where to
turn when you need answers.
1. DTRS is a trademark of TEAC Corporation